Latest news with #NintendoSwitch
CNET
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Best Handheld Gaming Consoles Right Now
Phones and tablets already do a fine job of playing tons of great games and streaming games from consoles or the cloud. Dedicated devices can provide unique features, exclusive games or extra power to do things your phone can't. The difference between types of game handhelds at the moment can feel vast, but let's break it down into some clear categories. Handhelds can be full TV-connectable consoles, tinier versions of full PCs, or smaller, purpose-built ways to play retro games, indies, or even novelty experiences. Some are, like PCs and phones, built on more standard OS forms. Others are locked down. The Nintendo Switch 2. Scott Stein/CNET The Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 Nintendo's consoles are a platform all unto their own. Nintendo locks down its hardware to only work with games bought in physical game card format or on Nintendo's eShop, and the Switch and Switch 2 also require subscriptions for online play. The Switch 2 can play nearly all the games that work on the Switch, with the exception of ones that either needed the original Switch dimensions (Nintendo Labo, if you can find it) or the original Joy-Con's IR camera (Ring Fit Adventure, which works with Switch 2 if you pair original Joy-Cons to it wirelessly). It does have its own accessories and added functions: GameChat for talking to other Switch 2 owners, USB-connected camera support for games and chat, and the new Joy-Cons can work as optical mice with supported games. It works the same way the Switch does, but has better graphics and a larger screen, and worse battery life. To expand Switch 2 storage, you need to buy microSD Express cards, which are different from standard microSD. Lori Grunin/CNET PC game handhelds A growing number of beefy handheld systems can run either full Windows OS onboard, or specific Linux-based SteamOS software. The Steam Deck, Asus Rog Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are the best current options and come in several forms and flavors. Most of these handhelds run similar-performing types of AMD-based processors with integrated graphics which deliver surprising functional gaming on the go provided the games you're playing are properly optimized. Valve makes this super easy on Steam Deck and on the new Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam OS, making it very clear on its Steam store which games are optimized to play well. On Windows handhelds, you gain the freedom of full Windows OS, and its complications. You could run any game from any source (and on SteamOS handhelds, with some tinkering, you could do this too), but your mileage will definitely vary. I've often had some games not run at all, or run so badly they were unplayable. Indie and smaller games are often great choices on handhelds for this reason. Still, games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Spider-Man 2 and No Man's Sky are a few of the games that are great to play on the go with these handhelds. Expect battery life to vary based on the type of game, and many of these handhelds are pretty heavy, too (up to 1.5 pounds). They can connect with monitors and accessories, too, but don't come packaged with docks. The ModRetro Chromatic. Numi Prasarn/CNET Retro handhelds The Analogue Pocket and ModRetro Chromatic are remastered Game Boys for playing classic cartridges you might still have or buy. The Pocket can also play other game cartridges, and even emulations of games that can be sideloaded. The Evercade series of handhelds, alternatively, plays rereleased compilations of games on custom cartridges. While the Pocket and Chromatic and Evercade models are geared towards physical cartridges, there are also tons of small handhelds that can play ROMs and emulated games. CNET doesn't review those at the moment, but know that there's a big space there to explore. There's also the weird stuff: the Panic Playdate is its own beast, a custom mini-handheld that plays its own library of games. There's nothing else quite like it, but Nintendo's limited edition Game & Watch re-releases come to mind. The PlayStation Portal. Scott Stein/CNET Streaming handhelds While Windows handhelds can stream games from sources like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, so can your phone or tablet. Another streaming option to consider is the PlayStation Portal, which only plays either PlayStation Plus streaming cloud games or streaming games via your PlayStation 5, but also adds haptics and force-feedback triggers. The future of gaming might be increasingly streaming, but for now, it's a tool that lots of devices are throwing in the mix. The Backbone Pro controller on an iPhone. Lori Grunin/CNET Your phone, or tablet Tablets and phones are extremely valid game consoles: The iPad has tons of games on the App Store, and hundreds more on Apple's subscription-based Apple Arcade. The iPad can pair with Bluetooth game controllers, too. iPhones and Android phones have tons of games as well, obviously, and a number of great game controller cases are available, including the Backbone and the Razer Kishi. Phones and tablets also offer other advantages, including an ability to cloud-stream games on a growing number of services including Microsoft Game Pass Ultimate and PlayStation Plus.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Nintendo Switch Summer Sale is live — 11 best game deals from $3 to snag now
Whether you're looking to get yourself set up with a big library of games or need something to entertain yourself while you track Nintendo Switch 2 restocks, you're in luck, as the Nintendo Summer Sale is happening right now. There are tons of discounted digital games available. And if you're a fan of physical media, you can also save on some Switch games at Amazon, with plenty of affordable options available, such as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for $49. Keep scrolling to see all my favorite Nintendo Switch game deals. Plus, check out our Amazon promo codes, and see this incredible golf club deal. Enter the Gungeon is a fun game that'll test your aim and reaction time. Classified as a bullet hell dungeon crawler, the game will have you dodging and shooting with style. And at less than $4, there's a lot of fun gameplay to be had, whether you're on an original Switch or a Switch 2. Dragon Ball Z and fighting game fans are going to love this one. It promises endless spectacular fights with the beloved Dragon Ball roster of all-powerful fighters. The game features attractive anime graphics and offers easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master fighting gameplay. The whole crew is here — Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi and everyone else from the beloved Mario + Rabids universe is ready to go in this fun strategy game. It's worth getting at the full price, but with this digital sale from Nintendo, it's even more appealing. I am a total Monster Hunter addict, and I've put more hours than I care to count into Monster Hunter Rise and its Sunbreak expansion. Sure, most players have moved on to Monster Hunter Wilds, but there's tons of fun to be had in Rise if you haven't played it yet. Persona 5 Royal is part turn-based RPG and part high-school simulator. You play as a new student who has recently moved to Tokyo. Soon, you discover the ability to traverse a strange alternate reality and form the Phantom Thieves to fix the corrupt society around you. Just be warned, Persona 5 Royal will consume all your free time once it gets its hooks in. Take a trip down memory lane with one of the best fighting game collections you can get. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics has seven games in one awesome package. The games have enhanced features that make them feel more modern, which is a nice bonus. Epic Mickey is a solid game with a few flaws. Thankfully, the Rebrushed version on the Nintendo Switch fixes some of those problems, creating a well-rounded game for Disney fans. With it being around half off, it's a great time to snag this one. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has all the 3D Mario platforming you know and love, but with tons of added content thanks to Bowser's Fury. There are dozens of colorful courses to work through, whether you want to play with friends or on your own. If you have nostalgia for Donkey Kong Country, or you're just looking for a fun new platformer to play on your beloved Switch or Switch 2 console, this deal is perfect for you. It has some extra levels from the 3DS version of the game, so there's new stuff to experience. Ultimate by name, ultimate by nature. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate brings together every single fighter in the franchise's history for a showdown of epic proportions. This hugely popular party game is now on sale. This side-scrolling adventure is a wonderfully refreshing spin on the classic Mario formula. Venturing to the Flower Kingdom, you'll discover stage-altering Wonder Flowers which can warp levels, create new platforming challenges and even turn Mario into an elephant. Playable in up to four-player co-op, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a platforming marvel for the entire family and one of the very best Nintendo Switch games you can play now.
Geek Culture
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Nintendo Switch 2 — Review
Before 2017, the idea of playing games on a home console that could double as a portable gaming device remained a pipe dream for many, until the reigning king of video games introduced, well, a game-changer (pun intended). Nintendo packed the best of both worlds into the Nintendo Switch, which served as a strong bounce back for the Japanese giant following the commercial failure of its previous Wii U console. The hybrid 6.2-inch offering, which came with a home docking station, went on to become the third-best-selling console of all time, behind the Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, even as its distinctive red/blue controller design became a household sight. While its first-party titles certainly worked their magic, the extended support for third-party games and lack of region lock also contributed to its overwhelming popularity, prompting two more hardware revisions along the way – the handheld-only Switch Lite in 2019, and an upgraded model with a 7-inch OLED display in 2021. Suffice it to say, the arrival of its successor has been hotly anticipated. The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a monumental shift in the industry giant's strategy, introducing the next technological leap to address the original's increasingly ageing gameplay experience. But the price to pay for monolithic success is sky-high expectations, and this follow-up system falls short of the mark, bogged down by a difficult-to-justify price tag, especially since it no longer brings the same lustrous novelty as before, and puts itself on a two-steps-forward, one-step-back situation. The familiarity hits right out of the box, except everything is bigger. As the scaled-up version of the original, the Switch 2 measures 272 x 116 x 13.9mm, and weighs 535 grams with the new Joy-Cons, versus 238 x 102 x 13.9mm and 399 grams on the original, and 241 x 102 x 139mm for the 422-gram OLED iteration. At first glance, the extra screen real estate is immediately prominent and the added heft does little to disrupt its existing streamlined silhouette, as the unit comes with a new kickstand, sleeker buttons, and an all-black aesthetic lending a refined touch to the hardware. In hand, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels luxurious, as the solid chassis shows no hint of flex. Meanwhile, the build quality of the larger Joy-Con controllers is a step up, offering firmer key presses and a more satisfying tactile experience. A welcome tweak sees a second USB port on the unit, opening up the option for users to charge in handheld mode – a godsend for those travelling on long-haul flights – and connect external devices like camera accessories simultaneously, including an official one sold separately from the device. Building on its predecessor's signature slide-and-click mechanics, the Joy-Con controllers are now held together and detached using a new magnetic attachment system. The process works as seamlessly as before – simply press down on the protruding button on the rear, located directly below the shoulder trigger, triggers a crisp-sounding snap. Gone, too, are the concerns of loose controllers, which were a drawback of the original railing system, as these sturdier Joy-Cons won't budge unless the release lever is pressed. It's too early to determine how this overhauled feature will hold up in the long run, but its intuitive and clever design makes the Nintendo Switch 2 feel more cohesive than before. Still, there's a lingering sense of loss – more than just a pop of colour as the red-and-blue styling gave character to the previous Joy-Cons – as the subtle detailing here robs them of that charm. Based on personal experience with the original model, the rubber rims may also experience wear and tear more quickly than expected, especially in tropical and humid climates like Singapore. The other gripe lies in middling ergonomics. While Nintendo's latest is less bulky than the Steam Deck and most of its portable contemporaries, the placement of the joysticks and directional buttons are no less cramped than before and not using the larger real estate of each controller, causing heavier strain over prolonged use in handheld mode, which is already exacerbated by the increased weight and size. While the bigger, firmer ZL and ZR trigger buttons make things slightly more tolerable in horizontal placement, it'd be good if the straight edge could have a groove for a tighter, more comfortable grip. Speaking of grip, users can now rotate each Joy-Con on its flat side (that connects to the display) on a table, and use it as they would a computer mouse, to move a cursor around the screen. It works on most surfaces, from fabric to even the palm, but not glass, extending smooth and easy control over actions like navigating menus, scrolling, and in specific cases, gaming. Using mouse controls in Fortnite at the preferred sensitivity level yielded precise aiming and responsive wrist flicks, as well as fluid on-screen tracking, although the swiping and sideways grip require some getting used to. The initial experience can feel weird, and it's only normal with any introduction of a previously unheard of interface feature. In Epic Games' battle royale shooter, one controller will be face-down while the other remains upright, and each is tied to different functions – the former to rotate the camera, picking up or using items, and switching between weapons, and the latter, primarily for controlling player movement. Get into the swing of it, and the gameplay will start becoming more intuitive and enjoyable, even as game compatibility of this feature is currently limited to 18 other titles, including Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition , Fortnite , Metroid Prime 4: Beyond , and Donkey Kong Banaza . Call it a gimmick or a quirk (Nintendo needs to maintain its 'weird uncle' reputation after all), but there's little to complain about the execution. Porting over from an older-gen Switch proves to be a breezy affair, too. As with data transfer between Apple devices, it involves logging into a Nintendo account and placing both devices within proximity after downloading an update via an Internet connection. In our case, the whole set-up took around 20 minutes, with all save files, settings, and captured content perfectly intact. There's just one caveat to note – instead of using standard microSD cards, owners looking to expand their storage will have to use microSD Express cards. Although the 256GB of internal storage here, which is already an upgrade over the 32GB and 64GB on the base and OLED model on the original console is sufficient to tide things over temporarily, the lack of options on the current market can be inconvenient, especially since microSD Express cards are the newer and pricier of the two. In terms of processor, the Switch 2 boasts a custom-built NVIDIA processor featuring eight ARM Cortex A78C CPU cores and a T239 chipset running on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture – the same one used to power the RTX 30-series of graphics cards. The Nintendo Switch 2 promises, and delivers, vast improvements in performance and visuals, and ray tracing is supported, and loading speeds are noticeably faster, whether it's accessing the Nintendo eStore – a choppy mess on the Switch – or navigating in-game menus. More importantly, its backwards-compatible nature means older Switch titles can be enjoyed on this newer, enhanced system. Docked play outputs 4K resolution (3,4820 x 2,160) at 60 frames per second (60 fps) for supported games, as compared to 1080p previously. Dropping the resolution to 2,560 x 1,440 or 1,920 x 1,080 pushes frame rates up to 120 fps, while handheld mode caps out at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 120 fps (versus 720p at 30 fps on the original). In reality, though, the performance gap between the Switch 2 and its predecessor varies from one title to another, even if all of them runs smoothly in both TV and handheld mode. Mario Kart World , released exclusively for the sequel device, delivered an optimised, fluid experience with little to no frame rate dips, whereas both enhanced editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom meant for the Switch 2 kept stutter to a minimum, showcasing game environments and animated cutscenes in sharper detail. Pokémon Scarlet , available as a free update on the Switch 2, is easily the best point of comparison, transforming the notoriously laggy Casseroya Lake into a pleasant free-roaming experience and bringing a velvety quality to Koraidon's movements. As for third-party games, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 , Bayonetta 2, and Fire Emblem Warriors all registered an impressive uptick in performance. Where the heavy particle effects would send the Switch into a sluggish state, the fighting action now flows a lot more seamlessly, which is important for the fast-paced gameplay such titles demand. Conversely, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim isn't quite as impressive, with flat textures, murky detail, and stilted movement showing its age. Here's where the inconsistencies of backwards-compatible optimisations come into sharp focus, amplified on the larger TV display. When docked, the artefacts and jagged edges in Marvel Ultimate 3 are more prominent to the eye, and it's harder to ignore visual imperfections like motion blur in Pokémon Scarlet . Handheld mode remedies (not solves, because its bigger-than-the-first display leaves it susceptible to similar issues) the situation, although Switch OLED owners should lower their expectations for visual enjoyment. In an unexpected and bizarre back-pedal, the Switch 2 has opted for a wide colour gamut LCD panel, so expect duller colours, lower brightness, and weaker contrast levels than its higher-grade OLED predecessor. Users who prefer docked play will be less affected by the downgrade, but the disappointment is justified, especially since Nintendo has already set a precedent with an OLED option and it's not that the display is bad by any stretch, mind you, as it's more than decent on its own, delivering a snappy and immersive experience. No matter the mode, the next-gen offering tends to run hot. Diving back into Hyrule for a mere 10 to 15 minutes, peppered with the occasional battles, was enough to push our review unit beyond lukewarm standards, and Fortnite 's constant firefights called for the need to cool down after a few rounds. Fortunately, the heat doesn't throttle performance, and the welcome handling is undermined by a subpar battery life that leaves much to be desired. Compared to the original's 4,310mAh battery capacity, the Switch 2 marks an improvement with a 5,220mAh one, though its duration takes a hit. A 40-minute Pokémon Scarlet romp drained around 25 percent of the battery bar (in comparison, the official website puts 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on a single charge), with third-party titles seemingly consuming more juice at a quicker pace. In a separate test, Mario Kart World registered an almost 40 per cent dip after three rounds of Grand Prix races, totalling up to 16 races for two players. Also new to the device is a nifty lending system that makes it easier to share and access titles between consoles. Designed to function similarly to physical ones, Virtual Cards are created automatically with every digital purchase from the Nintendo eShop, and can be loaned out to members of the same Nintendo Switch Family account one at a time for up to two weeks. Personally, though, physical cards are still the way to go, and here, a bright red design has replaced the original black cartridge. GameChat is another Switch 2-exclusive feature, accessed through the 'C' button on the right Joy-Con and enabling users to chat with up to 11 others, share their screen, or activate a video call with a compatible camera accessory. While there wasn't any opportunity to test it out, the setup process was quick and easy to follow. On the flip side, the official launch of the free Nintendo Switch app means users in Singapore can now get the most out of experiences that are linked to it, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom , with the fuss-free setup serving as a sweet bonus. Alas, the biggest bone of contention is price. The Nintendo Switch 2 costs a whopping S$719, nearly twice the base price of the OLED model (S$369), or S$769 for the Mario Kart World Bundle, which comes in at S$195 less than a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (S$669) and PlayStation Portal (S$295) combo that offers a bigger game library. At launch, only two exclusives will be available – Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour , with the latter more of a glorified tech demo than a full-fledged release. Then, there are the upgraded versions of existing games, not to be confused with updates. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom , as mentioned previously, fall into the first category, whereas Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is an example of the second, joining the likes of ARMS , Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain , Captain Toad Treasure Tracker , Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics , Game Builder Garage , New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe , Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury , Super Mario Odyssey , and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Link's Awakening . The neat thing is that the above game updates will be available at launch for free, though what's not is the additional bucks needed to complete the upgrade jump. For starters, both The Legend of Zelda upgrade packs set existing users back by US$9.99 each, and unlike PlayStation's very own tech demo Astro's Playroom , Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour isn't included as part of the free package. The Nintendo Switch 2 titles, exclusives or otherwise, aren't the most wallet-friendly, either – while prices vary across the board, the S$119.90 price tag of Mario Kart World is telling, considering the S$60-plus average previously. To be fair, jacked-up prices aren't unique to Nintendo. Triple-A gaming has gotten expensive in recent years, with standard PS5 prices ranging anywhere from S$60 to over S$100. Still, the Japanese giant has built a reputation for being kid and family-centric, and well, that's certainly not something a child can afford (unless they are a scion of a rich family or of that ilk). Let's not forget other hidden costs that will add up over time, too, from microSD Express cards to the various subscription features. The Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just a shiny new toy. Between impressive technological refinements, intuitive design tweaks, and a great deal of visual polish, the follow-up device presents a compelling proposition for fans of the brand and its exclusives. The absurd price hike from its predecessor makes it difficult to recommend, however, compounded with mild frustrations that outweigh the benefits, and especially with more affordable and powerful alternatives on the market. As is always the case with new tech offerings, it's also an advisable option to ride out the hype for now and wait until more choices are available. In the same breath that it introduces delightful surprises, there are also accompanying downsides, but those who don't mind shelling out some extra cash will likely learn to live with them, and appreciate the fresh touches on existing experiences, in addition to the promise of more to come. Summary Picking up from where the original left off, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents the zenith of hybrid console gaming, despite some rough ends left in its wake. Price is its greatest enemy and the deal breaker for most, though. Aesthetics - 8.5/10 Build Quality - 9/10 Performance - 8.5/10 Value - 5.5/10 Geek Satisfaction - 8/10 Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Hybrid Console Nintendo Nintendo switch 2 Review
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Check out these Nintendo Switch Mario game deals — up to 30% off
Whether you're playing on the Nintendo Switch or you've already upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2, you should try as many of the Mario games that are available on the consoles as possible. The massively popular series has grown way beyond its platformer roots, and we've found offers from Amazon on three titles that showcase just how far Mario and his friends have come. Don't worry if you own the new console, as the Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with titles that were released for the original Nintendo Switch. The discounts on these Nintendo Switch deals may disappear at any moment though — you may lose your chance at the savings if you delay your purchase to tomorrow! If you're interested in one or all of these Mario games for the Nintendo Switch, you should proceed with your purchase right away to make sure that you get them for a lower price than usual. Warioware: Get It Together! — $35 $50 30% off Warioware: Get It Together! features more than 200 microgames that are lightning-fast for frantic fun. You can play the game by yourself or with friends. You'll choose your character, each of which has unique abilities that will help you complete the minigames in different ways. Warioware: Get It Together! is on sale at 30% off, for a $15 discount. Mario & Luigi: Brothership — $50 $60 17% off Mario & Luigi: Brothership is an adventure RPG set on the high seas, with Mario and Luigi going on a journey through a world known as Concordia on Shipshape Island — part ship, part island. Explore areas, meet new friends, use various moves to get past obstacles, and launch attacks in turn-based combat. Mario & Luigi: Brothership is 17% off, for savings of $10. Mario Party Superstars — $53 $60 11% off In Mario Party Superstars, up to four players can play more than 100 minigames as they go through game boards to collect as many stars as they can. Players can play on the same system, in local wireless, or online, with the minigames possibly free-for-all, 2 vs 2, or even 3 vs 1. If you're interested in Mario Party Superstars, buy it while an 11% discount slashes its price by $7.
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Get back in the game faster with this Joy-Con charging station, now 43% off
Discover startups, services, products and more from our partner StackCommerce. New York Post edits this content, and may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. TL;DR: Keep your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons powered up with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station, now for just $16.99 (reg. $29.99). Don't let a dead Joy-Con make you say 'game over.' Nintendo Switch fans can make sure they avoid the dreaded dead battery dilemma with some help from the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station. And now, just in time for summer, you can make sure your controllers are always powered up for just $16.99 (reg. $29.99). Got plans for the dog days of summer? If they involve sitting inside in the AC gaming, make sure you're always powered up with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station. Keep the fun going strong with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2, a fast and easy way to power up your Joy-Cons. This handy dock juices up to four controllers at once in just 3.5 hours — so you're always ready to jump back into the action. The HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 features battery status indicators on the base, allowing you to determine easily which controllers are ready to get back in the game. It's also weighted, so they all stay in place securely. The easy-glide docking feature makes attaching and detaching controllers a breeze, too Once your Joy-Cons are fully charged, it's game on. Dive back into epic Super Smash Bros battles or race your friends in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. No matter what you're playing, a full charge means you're ready for whatever adventure awaits. Power up smarter with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station, now just $16.99 (reg. $29.99). StackSocial prices subject to change.
